Questions
Asked by
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the effectiveness of the pilot project to improve justice in Orissa state, mentioned on page 22 of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's Annual Report on Human Rights 2009. [HL3032]
This pilot project is due to run until 31 March 2010. We will then assess its impact and consider appropriate follow-up action. We will also continue to monitor progress on delivery of access to justice for the victims of violence in Orissa.
Asked by
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assistance they will offer to the Government of India to foster community reconciliation in the aftermath of communal violence in Orissa state, India. [HL3033]
The EU delegation identified cross-community peace-building initiatives and improving the capacity of victims’ lawyers as important areas to address on the visit to Orissa from 2 to 5 February. The delegation, in which a member of our high commission participated, has reported the outcomes and recommendations arising from its visit to the EU which will now consider follow up. This issue was also raised with the Indian Government during discussions at the EU-India Human Rights Dialogue meeting on 25 March 2010.
The Government have also provided assistance to the Indian authorities to help address some of the underlying issues that contributed to the violence in 2008. The Department for International Development has allocated £10 million for community development in four districts of Orissa, including Kandhamal. These funds will help to increase incomes, reduce malnutrition and improve water and sanitation for more than 375,000 tribal men and women.
Asked by
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will encourage European Union partners to raise the issue of communal violence and its aftermath, including the anti-Christian attacks in Orissa in 2008, during the European Union–India human rights dialogue. [HL3037]
The issue of communal violence and its aftermath, including the attacks against Christians in Orissa in 2008, was discussed with the Indian Government at the EU-India Human Rights Dialogue meetings in February 2009 and March 2010.